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Researchers at the University of Birmingham developed a nasal spray that could prevent coronavirus infection, as well as prevent transmission of the virus from the carrier, Sky News reports.
According to the study, which has not yet been evaluated by other specialists in the field, traps and covers the virus inside the nose, from where it can be eliminated by blowing or swallowing.
Because the virus is sprayed, it prevents the body from inhaling it, making any viral particles that are passed from one person to another by sneezing or coughing less likely to be infected by active viral particles. , according to the researchers.
Professor Liam Grover, one of the study’s lead authors, said: “Although our noses filter thousands of liters of air every day, there is not much protection against infection and most viruses in the air are transmitted through the nasal passage. The spray we designed offers that protection, but it can also prevent the virus from passing from one person to another ”.
The team aims to create a spray that can coat the inside of the nose evenly and stay where it was sprayed.
According to the analysis documents, it is composed of two polysaccharide polymers. One is an antiviral agent called carrageenan, which is commonly used in foods as a thickening agent. The second is a solution called a gel, which was chosen for its ability to adhere to cells inside the nose.
Laboratory experiments using cell cultures showed that the spray prevented infection for up to 48 hours.
The researchers say that regular application of the spray could significantly reduce the transmission of the disease and believe it could be especially helpful in areas where congestion can be less avoided, such as during a flight or in class.
A spokesperson for the University of Birmingham told Sky News that there is “no specific funding” for the project, but the researchers “worked on eye drop formulations that were funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health Research.” . “.
“They were able to apply what they learned in that field to the development of the sprinkler.”
Richard Moakes, co-author of the research, said: “The sprayer is made from already available products used in food and medicine, and we intentionally incorporated these conditions into our design process. This means that, with the right partners, we could start mass production in a few weeks. ”
“These products do not replace existing measures, such as the use of a mask and hand washing, which will continue to be vital in preventing the spread of the virus. But what this spray will do is add a second layer of protection to prevent and slow down the viral transmission, ”said the researcher.
Editing: Alexandru Costea
